Michael Vick officially became a Pittsburgh Steeler after signing a one-year contract. According to a report by ESPN, the Steelers signed Vick as a replacement for Brad Gradkowski, who will be out for one month.
Vick would seem like an appropriate choice to back up Ben Roethlisberger, considering his experience. However, some fans were upset that Vick was a potential choice because of his dogfighting conviction nearly a decade ago.
But while Vick is getting backlash, most of the Steelers’ fan base forgave Roethlisberger after he was accused of rape twice. Roethlisberger was not charged, but he settled out of court with one of his victims.
Some believe that Steelers’ fans who bring up Vick’s dogfighting past are more concerned about his race than the actual crime.
Check out how several Steeler fans voiced their opinions on Twitter.
I read it. I won’t forgive Michael Vick for choking his own dogs till their eyeballs bled & burst. He’s a psychopath https://t.co/jmnZChFgnG
— Charmian Neary (@CharmianAgain) August 25, 2015
#Steelers hire a Dog Killer, they lost a lifetime fan. Michael Vick, Steelers to meet after Bruce Gradkowski injury https://t.co/3s9qoPkbyJ — Chris Beaumont (@w33z) August 25, 2015
@CoachTomlin Vick? Really? That desperate that a low life DOG KILLER is what is going to bail the Steelers. Sign him and respect is out!
— Gary E Hays (@BigPoppaGJL58) August 25, 2015
I had no idea people still felt this strongly about Vick and those dogs. That coupled with the racist connotations speaks volumes…. — Jaaion Ain’t S**t (@Jaaion) August 26, 2015
These white ppl on here care more about Vick fighting dogs 8 years ago than cops killing black people now
— Wee-Bae Brice (@Papa_Khelz) August 26, 2015
